Tech companies work day and night to create new apps that will become indispensable in our daily lives. Sure enough, we are tied to our smart-phones more than ever, reliant on the comforts and convenience of trusty applications that we use in every aspect of our lives. The seafaring industry has been no exception and there are now several mobile apps out there that are useful when out on the open water. Read below to find our 5 favorite apps and don’t forget to download them on your phone before setting out for a sailing holiday!
Anchor Watch / Alarm
iOS ($ 0.99) Android (FREE)
The Anchor Watch / Alarm is a great and handy application that informs you about upcoming weather conditions, but also warns you of any sudden changes in weather while you’re on-the-go. The app also includes a feature that lets you know how far you are from your departure point. It can also notify you about potentially dangerous situations in the vicinity by sending you an alarm via SMS. You can download this application for $0.99 for your Android and iOS devices.
Windy
iOS and Android (FREE)
If you are interested in watersports such as sailing, kiteboarding, and fishing, then the Windy app is just for you! Providing weather radar, wind, and waves forecasts on an animated map, this is a favorite and trusty app used by windsurfers. The app can be downloaded for free for Android and iOS smartphones.
Marine Traffic
iOS ($ 4.99) Android ($ 3.99) Windows Phone ($ 3.49)
This app reports the live positions of all of the registered ships and yachts in the area. You may choose to use this app if you would like to let other vessels know where you are during your blue cruise. One of the advantages of the application is to provide you with many routes and port information.
iOS ($ 20.99) Android ($ 15.99)
Navionics is one of the most widely used apps among sailors. Once you have selected your starting and ending points on the map, you are guaranteed to follow a safe and seamless route by following the instructions provided by Navionics. This app has a fee but you will be able to download a free trial and use it for two weeks free of charge before having to pay.
Sky Guide / Stellarium Mobile Sky
iOS ($ 2.99) Android ($ 2.69)
As the name suggests, Sky Guide is a mobile sky map. With Sky Guide, you can obtain live information on aircraft, helicopters, jets and similar vehicles moving in the sky. It can also provide technical support for your blue cruise by showing route information based on the density of the clouds and the wind.
Note: These applications can work differently on each device. For this reason, before you start your journey, make sure to test out the different apps and find out what works best for you.
You can also check our The Best Sailing Apps for Yacht Charter: 2023 Guide.
